State offering advice about charitable givingMaryland...

News Briefs

December 05, 1997

State offering advice about charitable giving

Maryland Secretary of State John T. Willis is making appearances throughout Maryland during the holiday season -- including Anne Arundel County next week -- urging people to be careful when selecting and contributing to charities.

His appearances are part of the Charitable Information Giving Program, which also provides a toll-free telephone line, Internet information on charitable organizations and literature on wise giving.

The Charitable Organizations Division of Willis' office gives the public information and a place where concerns can be expressed and suspected violations of the state Charitable Solicitations Act reported.

Maryland-based charities received more than $2 billion in fiscal 1996, Willis said. He suggested that before writing checks, people call (800) 825-4510 to find out whether a charity is properly registered.

Free brochures from the state suggest questions to ask when being solicited, examples of deceptive practices and an explanation of donor rights.

The division's home page, at http: //www.sos.state.md.us, contains financial information on more than 3,500 registered charities.

State aviation agency plans hearing on BWI noise

The Maryland Aviation Administration will conduct a hearing to accept comments from the public on Baltimore-Washington International Airport's proposed noise zone.

The hearing, scheduled for Dec. 15 at Lindale-Brooklyn Park Middle School, will begin at 6 p.m. and will be divided into two parts. During a public review session, maps of the updated noise zone contours will be displayed. At 7 p.m., officials of the aviation agency will make a formal presentation. Public testimony will follow.

Those interested are encouraged to register in advance to present testimony by calling 410-859-7070.

The noise zone includes areas around BWI that are exposed to or will be exposed to aircraft noise reaching levels established by regulations.

Memorial service Tuesday for academy math professor

A memorial service honoring Theodore J. Benac, a mathematics professor at the Naval Academy for 56 years, will be held in the academy's chapel at 12: 30 p.m. Tuesday.

Benac died last month of complications of cancer at the age of 85.

Speakers and readers at the service will include Superintendent Adm. Charles Larson, representatives from the academic dean's office, members of the mathematics department and midshipmen from his classes. Benac's widow, sons and daughter will attend.

Benac arrived at the Academy July 1, 1941, five months before Pearl Harbor was bombed. He taught algebra, calculus and thermodynamics to thousands of midshipmen. He once told The Sun: "I am basically an old mathematics professor who loves to get up in the classroom and give his spiel."

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, Anne Arundel County Unit 810, P.O. Box 4203, Annapolis 21403.

Bissett named to post with legislative group

The American Legislative Exchange Council has appointed Del. Phillip D. Bissett, a Republican, as its first state vice chairman for Maryland. The council has 2,900 members from all states and both political parties.

Bissett, who is on the council's Criminal Justice Task Force and the Civil Justice Task Force, has been a strong supporter of the group's goals of boosting free enterprise and individual liberty and limiting government.

Groups to gather for anti-drug effort

Community groups throughout Anne Arundel County will join from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 12 at Woods Memorial Church in Severna Park to create a plan to prevent drug abuse among young people.

The effort results from the county's recent development of "Mission Possible: A Drug Free Community," a long-range plan to stop alcohol and drug use by youths.